Claudine Brush
Published: 1994
Total Pages: 42
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Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Arthritis Foundation YMCA Aquatic program on women with arthritis. The experimental group, which was composed of 4 women (age range=63-72 years, x=65.9 years), completed the 7 week aquatic exercise program. Six women (age range=34-77 years, x=52.9 years) who were members of the Arthritis Foundation's support group and were not participating in regular aquatic exercise, comprised the control group. All women were volunteers and were diagnosed with some form of arthritis. Pretests measured the following variables: hand strength using a baseline hand dynamometer; functional ability with a 150 foot timed walking test and a 13 stair climb which was timed and scored with a Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score; and pain measured with a horizontal visual analogue scale. For 7 weeks the experimental group participated in the Arthritis Foundation YMCA Aquatic Program and the control group maintained normal activities of daily living. Posttests for the same variables were conducted at the end of 7 weeks. A repeated measured ANOVA at the .05 a level was used to find differences between the control group and the experimental group for each of the variables. There was a significantly higher pain rating for the experimental group throughout the study. No other significant differences were found. Although there were no significant physical improvements, the subjective reports from the experimental groups indicated a positive physical and emotional benefit.
